The gunowners that I know do not desire any such widespread violence...

Well, this is a classical commons dilemma.

Nobody is willing to contribute to a non-violent society, but everybody would benefit from it if it came into existence.

Chari,

Many own firearms for sporting purposes such as hunting and target shooting.

Being disarmed in the presence of armed criminals is being sheep before wolves.Your former Government of 1933-45 should have taught men and nations that passivity can be fatal.

That's true. Pacifism and helplesses aren't the same thing as peacefulness.

I'm a peaceful person, but if somebody ever crossed my threshhold bearing ill and violent intent toward my wife and children, I would be neither helpless or a pacifist.

"Being a peaceful person" is irrelevant when the social setting is violent and gun-laden.

Personality doesn't matter nearly as much as individuals tend to think.

Almost all the time, except for when I go target shooting, my firearms are locked away. I do not practice open nor concealed carry. Although two of my neighbors were shot and killed during a party less than fifty feet from my own bed, I still keep my guns locked up.

For those who have faith, no explanation is neccessary.For those who have no faith, no explanation is possible.

St. Thomas Aquinas

If one turns his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9

This is the state of our country today, mouse; which , quite frankly, makes me tremble in my boots at the direction our society is going. It will get uglier, much uglier.

Has any generation not said the same thing? Things have gotten progressively better.

You have too much faith in humanity.

Let's stick with the facts please. This has nothing to do with faith.

I am sticking withe facts, people are selfish and extremely stupid, They hold to false notions despite the best efforts to teach them otherwise. Our stupidity and greed will lead our civilization to a cataclysmic crash. We have really had it.

In the early 1900's the Jews really had it good in Western Europe, by 1945 six million of them were murdered . It is not getting better it is getting much worse.

For those who have faith, no explanation is neccessary.For those who have no faith, no explanation is possible.

St. Thomas Aquinas

If one turns his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9